Grandmaster Repertoire: 1.e4 vs The French, Caro-Kann & Philidor

This series aims to provide a foundation and structure around which you can develop a lifelong repertoire with 1.e4. This first volume deals with three important defences, the popular French Defence, the ever-reliable Caro-Kann, and the Philidor.

Against the French Defence Parimarjan Negi recommends (after 1.e4,e6; 2.d4,d5) playing 3.Nc3 and provides a repertoire for White against the Rubinstein (3...dxe4), Steinitz (3...Nf6; 4.e5) and Winawer (3...Bb4) systems as well as examining Black's rare 3rd move alternatives.

Against the Caro-Kann (1.e4,c6; 2.d4,d5) he suggests 3.Nd2 as offering black fewer options than 3.Nc3. He investigates (after 3...dxe4; 4.Nxe4) 4...Nd7; and 4...Bf5; as well as alternatives on Black's 4th move such as 4...Nf6; and 4...h6; He also shows how to confront 3...g6; from Black.

The Philidor Defence occupies the final two chapters with analysis of the Hanham Variation (1.e4,d6; 2.Nf3,Nf6; 3.Nc3, e5; 4.Nf3,Nbd7) in addition to rarer alternatives such as 1.e4,e5; 2.Nf3,d6; 3.d4,f5; or 3...exd4; and 1.e4,d6; 2.Nf3,Nf6; 3.Nc3, e5; 4.Nf3, exd4.

Parimarjan Negi is the second youngest player ever to get the grandmaster title. He has won many strong tournaments and is a member of the Indian Olympiad team. Negi is known among chess professionals as being particularly strong in the opening.